Magazine

Language can reveal but a small portion of a vast meaning, interpretations vary as do perspectives and therefor barely encapsulate the diversity within a definition.

Beauty is a good example of this, it is expressed in countless ways across all cultures, it lives in color, movement, emotions, art, food, clothing, nature, architecture, insights, discoveries… the definition of beauty is diverse. Embracing this expansive view we explore different expressions of beauty—all are unconventional and all evoke a sense of enchantment in the eyes of their beholder.

Perfectly imperfect pooches, possess qualities which are considered beautiful to their owners and many others. Like award-winning photographer Alex Cearns who has released a gorgeous new book about love and resilience in the face of adversity. Her photos draw the eye to a glint of mischief, a soulful pose, or playful exuberance in dogs with disabilities or illness—accentuating their beauty and diminishing their impairment or illness.

Women in environmental science is a beautiful expression of equality and encompasses a much needed diversification in power and perspective. This is reflected in our interview with H.E. Razan Al Mubarak on her role with Big Cat Conservation group, Panthera. We explore how she cultivates sustainable development through business models and the priorities of conservation in Abu Dhabi.

Women innovators is an underlying theme throughout this edition—their pivotal and dynamic roles, evolving and advancing many fields principally the domain of men.

Sloths: Life in the Slow Lane takes readers on a stunning visual journey into the rainforest canopies of South and Central America where they literally come face to face with the world’s slowest and most misunderstood mammals.

Suzie Eszterhas’s intimate images are compelling and the new science is fascinating. But the story resonates a deeper message about community conservation which conveys the power humans have as stewards for nature.

In This Issue: A Sanctuary for Sloths, Smart Phones and Your Brain, Resilient Dogs, Women Innovators, an Angry Chef and much more…

Brent Stirton sees his camera and craft as a ‘license to look’—with genuine interest and curiosity for people, he seeks the stories which challenge our view of the world. Winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, his coverage of rhino poaching in South Africa impressed judges as both gritty and graceful. In this issue, Brent talks candidly with BE Journal about the unvarnished side of photojournalism, and explains why he is committed to creating confronting images that are beautiful to look at. We also discuss his policy on principled photography, the value of celebrating good people through social media, and the importance of supporting effective conservation through informed advocacy.

We also explore a new UK initiative, Back from the Brink, aimed at sparking interest in local wildlife. The project reminding us that endangered wildlife exists within our own neighborhoods. RSPB Photographer, Simon Roy, loves exploring his garden for images of timid and tiny things and shows us life in places we don’t think to look… under bramble, in a boot, amongst moss and mushrooms live chubby and cheerful bank voles. Inside a chestnut, on a clothes line, atop a garden fork, or bottom’s-up in a yogurt pot you will find doting owls, naughty squirrels, and nesting frogs.

In our biggest issue ever, we present a Showcase of Visual Storytelling—from miniature wonders in the garden, to monstrous discoveries beneath the ice. Exploring the Arctic with Art Wolfe, learning about Sacred Nature with Jonathan and Angela Scott, and meeting Ken Drakes ‘Animal Beings’.

A twinkle, spark, perhaps just a gentle glow—light has the power to illuminate and inspire—from bioluminescence to infrared, light beguiles and benefits our being in numerous ways.

Photographer Radim Schreiber, follows fireflies through forests and fields—seeking their light. Allured into the night by the contrast of dark, when bioluminescent beetles glow and glimmer like dancing lanterns, creating a storybook vision. Radim shares a collection of his favourite images and techniques for working with light on pg. 41.

Just as observing light lifts the spirit, exposing our bodies and brain to different wavelengths can enhance our health and performance. Dr. Michael Hamblin and Dr. Lew Lim explore the theraputic applications of photobiomodulation from alpine conditioning to Alzheimers, read their report on pg. 6.

As part of our investigative series into active longevity, we look at the postural practices of Dr. Eric Goodman, who distills his philosophy and foundation for pain-free movement on pg. 11.

Neil McIntyre introduces us to his neighbors, skittish and spirited, red squirrels—his new book a 20 year endeavour, revealing the complex and charming side of these aboral acrobats and their future in Scotland’s forests on pg. 22.

We take an insiders look at WildSpeak, the premier event for conservation storytellers—and search for lost species with photographer Robin Moore, who’s new project integrates abstract art and exploration to shine a spotlight on 25 of the world’s most coveted species on pg. 37.

People are seeking new ways to hunt—keen to preserve primal skills without harming wildlife—artistic and athletic goals the target for modern hunters!

Hunting is part of the human story, our survival rested upon learning the skills of capture and kill—but overtime with food abundance, hunting become a sport. Modern hunters still seek mastery of the ancient instincts, only for a different purpose—to create art and to develop physical and mental prowess.

Hunting which involves tracking, awareness and observation, endurance, strength, agility and accuracy—have vital purpose and benefit to humans—an equation that works without killing.

In this edition we explore the alternative applications of modern hunting. Photographer Ole Jorgen Liodden teaches us about polar bears and humans—how we can shoot to capture not kill, with mutual and monetary benefits to people and wildlife (p.89). The following video offers a glimpse of what modern hunting can and should look like!

Then extreme athlete Ben Greenfield shows us how hunting without killing has become part of a growing interest in primal pursuits and adaptive fitness (p.95).

Photography guide Darran Leal takes us on a journey of exceptional experiences with World Photo Adventures (p.41). We learn the nights language of light and landscape with astrophotographer Mike Shaw (p.146). And venture into the jungles of Borneo with Bjorn Olesen and Fanny Lai for a visual celebration of the island’s unique wildlife.

Also in this issue Ultra elites: Rich Roll, Jason Koop, and Dean Karazes offer insight into the ancient origins of running and the future of human endurance. A guest piece by Negotiation expert Chris Voss on navigating conflict zones and History Detective Carol Baxter reveals the remarkable story of Aussie aviatrix, Chubbie Miller.

Every page filled with images telling natures story, unique insights and discoveries—dive in and enjoy the adventure!

Through innovation our potential to restore nature is limitless. A creative approach which extols the virtues of natural insight and human imagination.

Progress is only empowering when it adds value—not when it comes at a cost, obvious or otherwise. We all love how technology has revolutionized and elevated how we live, yet most of us only ever acknowledge the end-use without exploring the process between—the connection and impact with nature. The story needs expanding, exploration, engagement and education.

True progress—the kind which preserves culture and wildlife—is the focus of this two part edition.

Natures narrative is surfacing in unique ways, from clothing campaigns that encouraging rewildling to visual conservation strategies which close the gap between inspiration and action. The common thread uniting these stories is nature, looking deeper into the wild for solutions, and synergy with our quest for progress and need for preservation.

May you draw from these pages inspiration—then discover real value, by taking action!